Moon Phases and Eclipses

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What are the phases of the Moon?

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The phases of the Moon are the different shapes the Moon appears to take as it orbits Earth, including New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent.

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What is a waxing moon?

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A waxing moon is when the visible portion of the Moon is increasing, moving from New Moon to Full Moon.

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What is a waning moon?

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A waning moon is when the visible portion of the Moon is decreasing, moving from Full Moon to New Moon.

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What causes the Moon phases?

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The Moon phases are caused by the changing angles of sunlight as the Moon orbits Earth, allowing us to see different portions of its illuminated side.

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What is a solar eclipse?

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A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, blocking all or part of the Sun's light.

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What is a lunar eclipse?

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A lunar eclipse occurs when Earth passes between the Sun and the Moon, causing Earth's shadow to cover the Moon.

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What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

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A solar eclipse happens during the day when the Moon blocks the Sun, while a lunar eclipse happens at night when Earth blocks sunlight from reaching the Moon.

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What is the full moon phase?

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The full moon phase is when the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it appear round and bright.

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What is the new moon phase?

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The new moon phase is when the Moon is between Earth and the Sun, and its illuminated side is facing away from Earth, making it invisible.

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What is the first quarter moon?

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The first quarter moon is when half of the Moon's surface is illuminated, and it appears as a half-circle.